SCOTTISH farmed salmon exports have totalled more than £2.3bn since the premium product won protected status 10 years ago.

Figures released by the Scottish Government show overseas sales have jumped from £140m in 2004 to an estimated £454m in 2013.

Scottish salmon was granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in 2004, putting it in the same class as Scotch whisky and Scotch beef.

Scottish Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said “Scotland is rightly hailed as a land of food and drink across the world and this year Scottish farmed salmon is celebrating 10 years as a PGI.

“During this time it has been named as the best farmed salmon in the world by international seafood buyers and continues to be in huge demand worldwide.”

Scott Lansburgh, chief executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation, said: “To be able to enjoy the same status as Scotch beef and other notable European foods has helped us develop our reputation in over 60 countries worldwide.”